The DHS Long 5 is the Greatest Blade Not Made by Butterfly

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If you’ve ever watched Ma Long dominate the table tennis world, you’ve probably wondered about the equipment behind his legendary game. Enter the DHS Hurricane Long 5—a blade that has carved out its own legacy, proving you don’t need Butterfly to have greatness in your hands.

What makes the Long 5 so special? It’s all about balance. This blade combines the power of arylate-carbon with the touch and feel of wood, giving you explosive shots and pinpoint control. The key to maintaining the cracking connection with the wood is the deeply embedded carbon fiber on the inner layers of the blade. Whether you’re smashing winners from mid-distance or controlling the short game with precision, the Long 5 has your back.

For the forehand, it’s almost a no-brainer—most players pair it with DHS Hurricane 3 Blue Sponge. Why? Because it’s the ultimate spin machine. The tacky top sheet lets you whip up jaw-dropping topspin, while the hard sponge gives your loops unstoppable power. There’s a catch, though: unboosted Hurricane 3 can feel slow, even a bit dead. That’s why pros boost it, using special booster oils to bring out its true potential. Boosting gives it that famous combination of spin, speed, and elasticity that we all dream about, even if it’s technically against the rules.

On the backhand, the choices get interesting. Some players stick with a boosted Hurricane 8 for a bit more forgiveness and control, especially if they like spin-heavy backhand play. Others go the Butterfly route, picking rubbers like Dignics 09C or Tenergy 05. Dignics 09C pairs beautifully with the Long 5’s power, offering a tacky surface for spin and a springy sponge for quick counters. Meanwhile, Tenergy 05 is all about versatility, giving you the speed and spin you need for flicks, loops, and punches.

The magic of the Long 5 lies in its ability to bring out the best in these rubbers. Its structure perfectly complements tacky, spin-focused rubbers on the forehand, while its stability and power make it adaptable for different backhand styles. Whether you’re an aggressive attacker or a spin artist, this blade feels like an extension of your hand.

If you’re looking for a blade that combines Ma Long-level power with precision and versatility, the DHS Long 5 is your answer. Pair it with a boosted Hurricane 3 on the forehand, add your favorite backhand rubber, and you’ve got a setup built for greatness.

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